The Best Hiking Trail In Every State

Who's ready for a hike?!

What better way to celebrate the end of winter and beginning of spring than with a hike. With that, we’re highlighting the best local trail in each state.

We looked exclusively at hikes that are 10 miles or less total, so you don’t have to spend longer than an afternoon on the trail. Plus, each trail on this list offers something more than just exercise — we’ve also included the thing you must see on each trail.

Alabama: Mountain Laurel Trail

Where: Cheaha State Park

Distance: 2.3-mile loop

Must see: Wander along the streambank to the Rock Garden Outlook, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Talladega National Forest.

Alaska: X Lake Loop

Where: Talkeetna Lakes Park

Distance: 3.5-mile loop

Must see: In the fall, this is the prime spot to go blueberry-picking. This trail circles X Lake and takes you through beautiful old-growth forests where you’re bound to see wildlife and can enjoy fishing.

California: Runyon Canyon Trail

Where: Runyon Canyon Park

Distance: 1.9 miles to 3.3 miles, depending on loop

Must see: This popular hike offers panoramic views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign — on clear days you can see all the way to the Pacific. Consider fueling your hike with an almond latte from the best local coffee shop. Go Get ‘Em Tiger, and keep your eye out for celebrities along the path.

New Hampshire: Champney Falls Trail

Where: Chocorua Lake Conservancy

Distance: 1.4 to 8.4 miles, depending on loop

Must see: This trail has really neat, old logging roads that you will walk over to get to the scenic Champney and Pitcher Falls. If you’re looking for an added challenge, you can climb 3,490 feet to the Mt. Chocorua summit.

Oregon: Trail of Ten Falls

Pennsylvania: Forbidden Drive

Where: Wissahickon Valley Park

Distance: 8.5 miles out and back

Must see: Don’t let the name scare you. This mostly flat trail offers standout views of old bridges and historical homes, and you can even ride a horse on it (with a permit). Finish off your afternoon hike with a sweet treat at Flying Monkey Bakery, the best local bakery in the state.

South Dakota: Crow Peak

Where: Black Hills National Forest

Distance: 5.9 miles out and back

Must see: Look out for wild turkeys and deer along the way on your way up the peak. Once you’ve reached the peak, you’ll get panoramic views of Black Hills Mountains, including Terry Peak and Bear Butte.

Virginia: Old Rag Mountain Trail

Washington: Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

Where: Snoqualmie Region, North Bend Area

Distance: 4-mile loop

Must see: Catch a view of Cedar River, Mount Si and Mount Washington on this high-altitude hike. If you are feeling ambitious, climb up a little bit further to the upper ledge to get even better views.

Washington, D.C.: Billy Goat Trail

Where: Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

Distance: 8-mile loop

Must see: One of the most popular hikes in the District sits alongside the Potomac river, with plenty of overlooks. The trail is divided into three parts by level of difficulty, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. If you make it to the end, you can enjoy lunch at the delicious Old Angler’s Inn.

West Virginia: Endless Wall Trail

Where: New River Gorge National River

Distance: 2.7-mile loop

Must see: The overlook at Diamond Point provides great views of the West Virginia vista. But don’t be afraid to look down the 1,000-foot cliff — the beauty of the New River Gorge below beats out any view.

Wyoming: Cascade Canyon Trail

Where: Grand Teton National Park

Distance: Around 6 miles, depending on the loop

Must see: On the top of the 200-foot Hidden Falls sits Inspiration Point, which looks out over Jenny Lake and the east side of the park. If you are feeling adventurous, continue on the trail to the Cathedral Group peaks, with a breathtaking view.